Immunoexpression of Autophagy-Related Proteins in Salivary Gland Tumors: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is a cellular survival mechanism involved in several human diseases, but its participation in the development of salivary gland tumors is not fully understood. This study investigated the immunoexpression of autophagy-related proteins (autophagy-related 7 [Atg7], microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A [LC3A], microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B [LC3B], protein p62 [p62], and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin [p-mTOR]) in pleomorphic adenoma (PA), polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary glands. METHODS: Twenty PAs, 20 PACs, 20 MECs, and 14 ACCs were selected. The percentages of cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity for autophagy-related proteins in neoplastic cells were assessed and correlated with histopathological parameters. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic immunoexpression of Atg7 was observed in all groups, with high median percentages of positivity. Regarding LC3A and LC3B, cytoplasmic immunoexpression was found in most PACs (95%) and in all cases of PA, MEC and ACC, with the highest percentages of positivity in PACs and PAs (p < 0.005). ACCs exhibited lower cytoplasmic immunoexpression of p-mTOR (p < 0.005) and lower nuclear expression of p62 (p < 0.05) when compared to PAs, PACs and MECs. Low nuclear immunoexpression of Atg7, LC3A and p-mTOR and absence of nuclear staining for LC3B were observed in all groups. Regarding histopathological parameters of PAs, MECs and ACCs, there were no significant differences in the expression of autophagy-related proteins. In all groups, positive correlations were observed between the immunoexpression of some autophagy-related proteins (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the participation of autophagy in the pathogenesis of PA, PAC, MEC, and ACC of salivary glands. Upregulation of autophagy and reduced nuclear translocation of p62 may contribute to the aggressive biological behavior of salivary gland ACC.

Bicontinuous microemulsions containing Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil as a therapeutic agent for cutaneous wound healing.

The Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (MEO) has been widely used due to its healing and antimicrobial action. Its incorporation into drug delivery systems is a reality, and numerous studies have already been developed for this purpose. In this regard, the aim of this work was to develop, characterize, and evaluate the in vivo pharmacological activity of bicontinuous microemulsions (BME) containing MEO. Through diagram construction, a formulation consisting of Kolliphor® HS 15 (31.05%), Span® 80 (3.45%), isopropyl myristate (34.5%), and distilled water (31%) was selected and MEO was incorporated in the proportion of 3.45% (v/v). Morphological analysis characterization confirms that the system studied herein is a BME. The evaluated formulation showed physicochemical characteristics that allow its topical use. Rheologically, samples were characterized as pseudo-plastic non-Newtonian thixotropic fluids. The chromatographic method developed is in accordance with the current recommendations. The extraction method used assured a 100% recovery of the pharmacological marker (terpinen-4-ol). In vivo studies suggest that BME loaded with MEO may contribute to the healing process of skin wounds. In addition, it demonstrated antibacterial activity for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the BME system loaded with MEO is promising as a healing and antimicrobial agent for skin wounds.Graphical abstract.

Agreement between rapd, api20c aux, chromagar candida and microculture on oral candida identification

Aim: To measure the agreement of methods for identification of Candida species in oral cavity samples, comparing the CHROMagar Candida, microculture, API 20C AUX and RAPD techniques. Methods: Ninety-one colonies of Candida were isolated and presumptively identified in CHROMagar Candida, submitted to microculture, API 20C AUX and RAPD techniques. After this, agreement among methods using Kappa test was performed. Results: Agreement rates between RAPD and CHROMagar Candida, showed significant accuracy for C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis and C. krusei (Kappa: 0.760, 0.640, 0.416 and 0.360, respectively, p<0.05). Comparing RAPD results with microculture, the highest agreement was for C. albicans (Kappa: 0.851 - p<0.05) but no significant agreement for C. lusitaniae, C. krusei and C. guilliermondii was obtained (p>0.05). The agreement was significant for all identified species when RAPD (OPE-18) and API 20C AUX (p<0.05) were used. Critical levels of agreement between RAPD and microculture were observed when C. lusitaniae, C. krusei and C. guilliermondii were identified.

Influência do pH de bebidas isotônicas sobre a microdureza de resinas compostas / pH influence of isotonic drinks on composite microhardness

Objetivo: Este estudo experimental in vitro teve como objetivo a análise da influência do pH de bebidas isotônicas sobre a microdureza de resinas compostas. Material e Métodos: A avaliação do pH endógeno foi realizada através de leitura com o pH - metro Tecnal pH Meter TEC-2®. Para a avaliação da microdureza, foram confeccionados corpos de prova, com dois tipos de resina diferentes. Para cada tipo de resina foram confeccionados 7 corpos de prova, distribuídos de acordo com a solução de armazenamento (bebidas isotônicas das marcas Gatorade® e Powerade®, nos sabores limão, tangerina e laranja e água destilada- controle). A análise da microdureza dos corpos de prova foi realizada após um ciclo de imersão de 21 dias, por 1 hora diária, seguindo às 23 horas restantes em repouso na água destilada. Foi utilizado o microdurômetro (MicrohardnessTester Fm-700; Futuretech, Tokyo, Japan) com penetrador diamantado piramidal tipo Vickers aplicando-se uma carga de 50g de 30 segundos. Os dados foram apresentados por meio de estatística descritiva e utilizou-se os testes ANOVA e t pareado, com p < 0,05. Resultados: Todas as bebidas analisadas apresentaram pH inferior ao considerado crítico para a dissolução do esmalte dental (5,5), sendo o Powerade Limão a bebida com menor pH (2,98). Observou-se que os corpos de prova que ficaram imersos nas bebidas isotônicas, obtiveram valores de microdureza estatísticamente menores quando comparados ao grupo controle. Conclusão: Todas as bebidas avaliadas apresentaram pH ácido e alteraram a microdureza das resinas compostas estudadas.Descritores: pH. Testes de dureza. Resinas compostas. Bebidas energéticas.